It’s rare at the level of junior high baseball that spectators have the benefit of enjoying a nearly flawless game whose outcome is in doubt until the last play of the contest. Such was the case Friday evening as Central Jr. High baseball team squeaked out a 3-2 win over the visiting Hamilton County Foxes at Frankfort Community Park.
After a scoreless two and a half innings, the Jr. Redbirds got on the scoreboard when Christian Dunning drew a walk and scored after a walk to Colten Allen, a stolen base, and a ground out by Braxton Koehl.
The Junior Foxes struck back to tie the game 1-1 in the top of the fourth frame on a leadoff double and an error by the right fielder, but Frankfort untied the contest in their turn at bat. Jeremiah Teal led off the inning with a base hit, Hunter Johnson drew a walk, and both advanced on a passed ball. Anthony Dunning executed a squeeze bunt to score Teal, and Ian Davidson drove a sacrifice fly to the outfield that plated Johnson and made the score 3-1 Redbirds.
CJHS starting pitcher Ethan Sisk pitched another fine game, scattering four hits and striking out seven Foxes, but after tiring and giving up a hit and a walk in the last inning, Redbird relief specialist Garrett Karoski came to the mound with another save opportunity.
After a Hamilton County sacrifice bunt put the tying runs in scoring position with one out, Anthony Dunning fielded a hot shot at second base and retired the hitter as a run crossed the plate, making the score 3-2 and putting the tying run at third base with Foxes’ leadoff hitter Baylee Gay coming to bat. Karoski then induced a high fly in the middle of the infield and shortstop Davidson took charge and gloved the final out for a 3-2 Redbird victory.
“We’ve been in this position several times this season where the game comes down to the last swing,” noted CJHS Coach Dustin Hopkins.
“These situations are certainly character builders for our players, but they are Rolaids Moments for the coaching staff. I’m proud that our team held up again in a pressure situation.”
Hopkins also noted the job his pitchers did to keep the contest close.
“Ethan (Sisk) has a very good work ethic and it’s showing in his success on the mound,” Hopkins said. “And Karoski comes in and throws strikes in key situations which puts the pressure on the opponents. Combine their effort with good defense and we always have a shot at winning close games.”
The Junior Redbirds, now 4-4 on the season, take on Marion and Carbondale this week.
